The Effects of Fractal Mindfulness Virtual Reality on Menopause Symptoms

Overview

The study aimed to establish the effectiveness of an immersive mindfulness virtual reality intervention using fractal software for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. It was hypothesised that post immersive virtual reality fractal mindfulness intervention would result in higher levels of sexual function, wellbeing and cognitive mindfulness with lower levels of menopause symptoms. It was further hypothesised that in physiological responses, the pulse rate would be lower post intervention per session and an overall reduction in pulse rate post intervention. An electroencephalogram will be used to monitor alpha and beta ratios.

Menopause is both a biological and psychological milestone that signifies the end of a woman's reproductive capacity and typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. A multitude of physiological, emotional, cognitive, and sexual symptoms often accompany this transition. Putting aside the standard biopsychosocial interventions to one side, an alternative approach gaining momentum, associated with supporting meditation and mindfulness practices, is the use of fractals. Fractals exhibit varying levels of repetition with a rate of pattern shrinkage between repetitions, denoted by the D value where research has shown that fractals can reduce stress levels by increasing alpha brain wave in the frontal area of the brain. Fractal mindfulness utilises self-similar, repetitive patterns found in fractals to promote relaxation and offers insights into our perception of reality. With fractal mindfulness, the focus is on the present moment. This idea has been linked to spirituality because it explains humans' universal and innate subconscious understanding of the world. Increased levels of meditation are often associated with higher alpha and theta brain oscillations. Furthermore, sound can support the meditative state through beat frequencies, which can be observed through physiological measures such as changes in heart rate, increased relaxation, and a hypnotic state. Therefore, when fractals and music are combined, they may arguably create a more powerful response that fosters meditative awareness. Artificial fractals may include computer-generated fractals, which are becoming increasingly widespread due to the increased use of digital technology, as recursive algorithms are used to generate them. However, living conditions do not always permit a complete connection with fractals in nature, and perhaps the increasing use of technology and virtual reality could serve as a helpful alternative. Fractals have become more accessible and scalable through digital platforms, enabling their integration into mainstream healthcare. Despite the growing interest in fractals and digital health, few studies have explored the intersection of these two areas with menopause. Based on the literature review, this exploratory study examined the impact of a novel, immersive fractal mindfulness intervention on menopause-related symptoms, as well as sexual function, cognitive mindfulness, and overall well-being. This study employed a mixed methods approach, evaluating symptom change both quantitatively through standardised questionnaires and qualitatively through open-ended survey responses. Heart rate and an electroencephalogram further placed the outcomes into context, particularly when examining alpha and beta ratios. All participants received the same intervention and were assessed at three time points: baseline week 0, post intervention week 4, and follow up week 8 in a waitlist randomised controlled study, which included active and delayed groups consisting of nine participants in each group. This ensured that every participant received the intervention. Feedback was solicited through five open ended questions to gauge the participants' perceptions of their experiences with the intervention. Pulse rate was recorded both before and after the session, and a basic electroencephalogram was employed to determine any increase in alpha waves in the occipital region, as guided by research. The emphasis was on the brain processing visual information and maintaining attention, particularly when the eyes are open and receiving input. The design was chosen for its suitability in small-sample and exploratory studies, permitting the study of individual changes over time. The four-week intervention period and follow up assessment were chosen to capture both immediate and sustained effects of fractal virtual reality. A randomised waitlist-controlled study is often employed in conjunction with therapeutic interventions. The delayed group provides an untreated comparison for the active group.